The driver’s behaviour is monitored through an in-cab light bar, which provides an alert when a harsh driving event is detected, allowing for instant reaction. Such events include rapid acceleration, braking and cornering, idling of the engine and speeding.

The tool has the facility to alert customers when their deliveries are a certain distance from the delivery location.

A distributor of building, heating and plumbing supplies, Wolseley UK has a fleet of more than 900 vehicles covering its branch network, which includes Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Climate Center, Burdens, Drain Center, Integrated Services and William Wilson.

Following a three-month pilot trial with the new Masternaut Connect system at a Drain Center branch in Tonbridge last year, the company has now rolled it out across a number of light commercial and licensed goods vehicles nationwide - 104 belonging to Pipe Center, 21 to Climate Center and 68 to Drain Center.

Feedback from the Tonbridge pilot demonstrated fuel savings of between 8 and 10%.

The company is continuing a trial on five vehicles at a Plumb Center branch in Wolverhampton.

“Masternaut has developed the next generation of telematics compared to what we previously had and was the obvious next stage for our branch transport.

“Over time, people may develop poor driving habits. This system is not intended as a tool to tell our employees that they are bad drivers, but simply to point out where they can make small changes to become even more efficient.”

Steve Towe, chief commercial officer and UK managing director at Masternaut, said: “Telematics has applications right across a business, and as we’re seeing with Wolseley UK, it provides the tool kit to create a more efficient fleet.

Wolseley’s Plumb Center has donated a replacement toolbox full of essential plumbing products to a young professional after he fell victim to van theft. The merchant has also pledged to continue to help out victims across the UK, as and when these incidents are reported.